Academic Dean

Salary:

$102,960.00 - $117,000.00 Annually

Location: Littleton, CO

Job Type: Administrator/Professional-Technical (Full-Time)

Job Number: 00348

Division: Instruction

FLSA: Exempt

Job Summary

This recruitment will fill two separate Academic Dean roles at ACC. Candidates should demonstrate experience aligned with one or more of the following academic portfolios:

• School of Math & Sciences (Math, Natural Sciences, Business, Technology, Skilled Trades)
• School of Health & Public Services (Nursing, Allied Health, Emergency Medical Services, Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Education)

The Academic Dean is responsible for the leadership, direction, and continuous improvement of assigned academic departments and programs, including credit and non-credit pathways, certificates, and degrees aligned to transfer and workforce outcomes. The Dean champions student-centered design, ensuring that every academic process and program structure serves the ultimate goal of equitable student completion and mobility. Academic portfolios may evolve over time in response to institutional priorities and community needs.

This role requires the ability to lead effectively within a shared governance environment, balancing faculty expertise and academic freedom with institutional priorities related to enrollment, student success, and program sustainability. As a visible leader within the College and broader community, the Dean advances the mission, vision, and strategic direction of the Division of Instruction, Arapahoe Community College, the Colorado Community College System (CCCS), and the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE), while dedicating time to building internal and external partnerships-particularly those that support student success in clinicals, practicums, apprenticeships, and job placement.

The Dean provides leadership and supervision for faculty and administrative direct reports. Core responsibilities include recruiting, mentoring, and evaluating faculty and staff; maintaining fiscal accountability for assigned cost centers; coordinating program renewals; leading annual comprehensive program reviews; overseeing instructional assessment initiatives; ensuring program accreditation; facilitating curriculum and program development; and resolving student and personnel issues to promote the success of students, faculty, and the College.

Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Two years of administrative or supervisory leadership experience.
• Experience developing, managing, and evaluating employees.
• Experience in budget preparation and management.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated knowledge of issues and trends in higher education that affect budgets, policies, student services, tuition models, and instructional strategies.
• Demonstrated experience leading within shared governance in higher education.
• Experience leading through organizational change, complexity, or ambiguity.
• Experience using data to inform program strategy, enrollment management, and student success initiatives.
• Experience teaching and/or training adult learners.
• Experience integrating current technology to support learning and operational effectiveness.
• Demonstrated success in curriculum and program development incorporating adult learning theory.
• Experience with regulatory compliance, governing boards, or accreditation agencies.
• Grant management experience.

Application Instructions

All applicants must submit:

1. Resume
2. Detailed letter of interest addressing the job announcement. Please include any experience you may have embedding equity and inclusion in your work, see below.

At ACC, we seek to hire candidates who are committed to fostering respectful, welcoming, and supportive environments for all individuals. In your cover letter, please describe how you have worked to create such environments in your current or previous roles, and share what this commitment means to you in your professional practice.

Reach out to us at HRrecruitment@arapahoe.edu if you have any questions.